How to change motorbike steering bearings

In this episode, we give you a good understanding of how to change the steering bearings in your motorcycle.
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[@Halfcast365]

Absolutely awesome video put together and what a professional. Great to see precision and expertise on the job

[@SuperbikeSurgeryTV]

Thank you very much!

[@martydaly9916]

Spot on video straight forward no boring old clap trap and very intertaining.. Nice bit of banter too between both guys 👍😀

[@moriwaki1105]

This guy knows his stuff......another great Vid.....Thanks.

[@richardballinger517]

I know this video is old but the first time I've watched it. Re the bit about that click under hard breaking being the head bearings. I used to get that click on hard breaking, I changed my head bearings to roller bearings, made a world of difference, so much smoother into corners, improved the handling and the click was gone. I answered a plea for help re clicking on breaking and said I'd had the problem and said I'd changed to rollers and it was gone, then got shouted down it would be brakes etc. Thank you for confirming what I'd found. Good videos.

[@Sirloincloth1st]

Good video. I always tighten the yolk bolts AFTEr pumping the suspension up and down a few times.

[@NJOwens-ep3hf]

I can't thank you enough for posting this mate .. I was really worried about doing this on my 93 Katana until seeing this .. Thank you for the inspiration and confidence ..

[@GDLOTKIDOG]

A pro! And such a freaking cool ass mobile shop. I LOVE IT. It’s perfect everything g you need. Only thing that would make it better is it was ALSO a ventilated dayno floor. But you can’t have it all right LOL. This video was great and this guy is super cool cat. Love it. Thank You Sir

[@thakiid1013]

the funny part of this is that the process is easy but for most guys suspending the whole front end is the hardest part!

[@cliffwebb2017]

You say that, but on my CBR600f3 the bottom race had almost zero exposed lip so hitting a drift onto it from the top was almost impossible. I guess some bikes are far easier to work on that others!

[@karlwalker1771]

My VTR1000 has a MOT report of "notchy head bearings" and after watching your video I have realized I need this job done by a Professional. The only HATE I have is if it wasn't for the Specialized tools I could have done it myself. HEY BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY! £200 QUID LIGHTER But will it handle better? :) Love the channel and Truly appreciate ALL your time and effort, Thank you Mate

[@douglaskeppel8751]

I need to do this job. I need the tool recommendations please ? Is it a case of one tool will do all bikes ? Really njoyed the video very informative and performed at a great pace. Great to have someone there asking the questions I would ask !! Thanks, Doug.

[@mattsmart705]

I'm a Harley rider. But just watched the video. Great to learn new tips. Even if I ain't gonna ride a superbike, it's always great to know how to fix them. To the point & clearly demonstrated. Shall def be watching more. Cheers guys. ✌🏼️💀🇬🇧

[@Revellersaws]

Steering bearings aren't much different between brands

[@fernandomosee9300]

James you are an excellent mechanic , very professional , thanks to your video work I have done in my honda shadow vt 1100cc 1986. Since Argentina I thank you very much.

[@twillum]

Bloody brilliant, thanks for the vid. Just replaced the steering bearings in my Buell thanks to this. Thanks again James

[@tigermoth3194]

James, great educational vid for all us 'home mechanics'. Just ordered new headstock bearings on my 1996 Fireblade to replace the notchy originals. Cheers.

[@MindMetalworks]

Hi brilliant video thankyou! just a couple questions if you dont mind. How did you align the two triple clamps before you tightened the top yoke? Also how are you supporting the weight of the bike while you do this? Kind regards

[@brettrandall83]

Great vid! Just swapped the stock bearings for tapered on XVS1100 and the vid was a lifesaver. Got a question though, what's that drift/punch tool you use to knock out the races? I had to grind a perfectly good screwdriver down to get the angle I needed to get the races out, was a right pain of a job. I want that tool next time I do it but haven't found at my local hardware stores! Does it have a technical name/specification?

[@ian1patterson]

I have to do the steering head bearings on my triumph sprint st ....happy days...luckily ,I have a well informed friend to help!

[@caveman357]

What is the best type of grease again? ANd for the 2 steel washers that go on after the seal on the top, what is that tool that you are using to adjust them? Can a screwdriver work instead? Excellent video! Subscribed!

[@oldaxehead655]

Great explanation on how to tell if your steering bearings are shot. Mine are shot, looking to replace them myself this week. Thanks for the vid.

[@spencerengwall2304]

thank you for making very useful and clear videos, my 1980 cb400t thanks you as well. I am an automotive technician and have learned quite a lot from watching your videos. You do justice to the title of technician.

[@ian7583]

So easy when you know how and well explained thanks for your time m8 👍

[@ronnel3956]

Great video sir 👍 may i know the name of the tool you use in removing steering bearing that has C- shaped like ?

[@Steffos159]

This video was a great help! My cb500 doesnt have those easy acces cut-outs to get the tapers out, so that was a nightmare. But now, I got this freeplay/vibration when I brake (at red light), just tightening it a bit will get this out of the way?

[@spandon]

Nice one James, just to say it's useful to remember to make sure to fit the new lower seal (right way up) before hammering the new lower race onto stem....

[@kathymckenzie5139]

Really enjoyed the video. Very comprehensive!

[@shred46]

Excellent video, thank you! How about using a dial caliper to adjust the fork tube deck height?

[@ruanjmuller6805]

Thanks James, great video. Major help. Busy stripping my 2007 fireblade and was one of the parts I needed a good video tutorial. Keep it up!

[@nath84xx]

Top video!!! Well explained thankyou

[@fidelcatsro6948]

wow its all done in a mobile truck? very tough and cramped indeed, great job! I think all bikes should have large massive bearings like those you see on the wheels, because the steering takes so much weight and pressure from the massive weight of the bike frame, engine, etc..all suspended on the poor yokes!!

[@mickpollard8197]

Hey James just about to attempt to change my stock bearings on a 2008 Ducati Monster 696, was looking on your site for the bearing pullers that you used but couldn't find them, where did you purchase them I'm going to get them

[@MrBurtmeister]

Great stuff James. Informative and entertaining with your laconic delivery. Wish I'd seen how to tighten the lower lock nut using a C spanner to full torque then back off 1/4 turn. Would have saved me buying the special tool. Look forward to seeing the rest of the series.

[@satishvasane6812]

Thanks a lot for your informative video, from Dhule Maharashtra, India

[@joeyortiz7068]

This video is awesome! It guided me to replace my bearings on my ninja 300 :)

[@leytonsmith9258]

Hey, really appreciated the video !! :) what size punch did you use ?? what is the best size to get ?? :)

[@AndrewMephamIT]

Awesome video, subscribed. I've just been told the 'Race Head Bearing' on my 2014 CBR 125R needs replacing - quoted ~£350 by the Honda dealership - so was looking if it's easy to do myself. As I've got very little mechanical knowledge and none of the tools you used i'll end up taking it to a garage - but I like to know what's wrong ;) I'm guessing i'm likely to get it done cheaper elsewhere too?

[@steveneastland4128]

Out of interest, is that bearing seat installer the Nielsen Brand one?

[@djWakt]

Excellent video! You explained the issues very well which helped me out greatly. Keep up the great work. Subscribed!

[@林俊佑-g7d]

I'm a DIYer, I also have a ER6F, this video helps me a lot! Thank you! but I have a problem which is how to lift the front frame, I can't find a flat surface to lift it, May I ask how to lift it and make it stable? Thank for your reply!

[@biryaniofbodyhair]

Hey I don't have an er6f but if you have a center stand just use a carjack or bottle jack on the bottom of the engine with a sponge or small piece of wood to protect the metal, just jack it up till the rear tyre is on the ground then you have 3 points of contact on the ground which should make it plenty stable...I have a Suzuki v Strom and there's only about an inch of space for my bottle jack to fit but it still works sweet! Hope it helps you!

[@leftkeyentry]

Great vid, got this job to do myself. Subscribed

[@mavrik11964]

My top tip would be to take photos as you remove components, especially if it's your 1st attempt at doing a job/service... Good informative video.

[@harrykramer7479]

What brand T-grips do you use?

[@lentilsouper]

Epic. Subscribed. I have a cbr 125 with badly twisted forks. Loosened all thr bolts but still not straightening. Possible bottom yoke bend? Low speed fall?

[@lentilsouper]

I thought the same, but it turned out the bottom yoke was also bent, fixed it a few days ago and the client crashed it again within 10 hours... *sigh*

[@andrescaradepez]

Hello. I appreciate your videos, they are awesome and very educatives. I make you a question. I can see that you use brake cleaner spray to clean many surfaces ¿can do the Wd40 the same cleaning job? Greetings from Colombia, south america.

[@robertanthonyfarrell]

You definitely don't want to substitute brake cleaner with WD-40 ! WD-40 will leave residue (by design), whereas brake cleaner completely evaporates. They're really completely different products.

[@hlpang1075]

Brilliant video!

[@RaulMotoADV]

Awesome. You are just my hero 🤟🏽

[@vyrnwyangler]

Cud you please add a link to the race setting tool from your website thanks

[@theapprenticedj264]

I did that many times in my mountain bikes. But now i´m building a caferacer, and i´m thinking of change the front suspension. Are all the steering head bearings, standard diameter for bikes as they are for bicycles?

[@axelneel625]

Pedro Alves no, but try all balls racing they have conversion kits

[@svetoslavkaterinski1150]

Hi Jim, I like so much what you doing. I just visited your website and I didn't find there the special tools...

[@anurag77719]

Probably the best video ever...!

[@alfadave11]

good job apart from pinch bolts on forks ......these should be tightened after you settled suspension ie pushing down on head stock with them loose then nipping pinch bolts ....

[@alfadave11]

***** james its very common to do when ever a front wheel is taken off a motorcycle ,it prevents stiction (friction),especially when tyres are replaced often as in in track day /racers and some don't do it and wonder why front end feel changes ,then start messing with adjusters etc

[@alfadave11]

Er6 has pinch bolts on left leg 39 mins on your video.pushing head stock down before tightening self aligns front forks

[@SMG59]

Great Vid! Whats your site?? Might buy a race puller

[@jymboy6]

What's the brand of the bearings you are using? Any recommendations?

[@spencerengwall2304]

all balls racing seems to be popular

[@KarlUKmidlands]

jymboy6 Any good quality brand name should be fine all balls, ntn, timken, koyo are all good quality

[@motorart4670]

Good episode

[@DaveWatts_ejectamenta]

What if your bike (Honda XBR 500) doesn't have a locking ring (eg at 30:40) ? is there anything you can do to stop if un-threading (loctite)?

[@Ben-we7vr]

Where do I buy the races from? I have an 04 FZ6 and can't find where to purchase races for my new all balls replacement.

[@Ben-we7vr]

James Wright-Roberts after googling I can't find much of anything. I'll keep trying though. can't find it even on OEM sights and charts

[@markycolt1]

hi James do you know what size c spanner I need to adjust 2010 Yamaha r1 headstock bearings?

[@316iRacer]

GREAT TIPS! THANKS FOR THIS VIDEO! i am going to work on my R1 and replace the damn thing myself and save me the trip to the mechanic and save a couple of quids.:D

[@MindMetalworks]

thanks for your reply!!! i feel im up to the job now, im doing it, cant wait, love, it avit large, 9 the power of 4

[@cabbage681]

This man really knows his shit, if I was 39 years younger I'd apprentice for free 👍

[@maximchu5813]

James,what special tool do you use for pressing the bearing into the frame?

[@cchheeeessee]

steering bearing press tool

[@maximchu5813]

***** Who is the manufacturer?-)

[@TheRedcroatian]

Put the steering stem into the freezer and heat up the bearings in the oven. They will slide in by themselves, no special tool needed.

[@DAVIDLANE-nt2gz]

very enjoyable 10/10

[@lma2256]

James, Can't wait til you have a show on Speed Channel. :D

[@chilcottjack29]

I'm sh*tting my up coming MOT as mine are really lose but not sure if they'll get a notch once I tighten them up... really hoping they don't need replacing as I'm skint can't afford to pay the Labour for a few months and need the bike to get to work and back everyday :( 😕

[@granaleo1]

BEN! shut your phone off😝. Great video guys

[@denisrailey777]

Your awesome. Lucky the dog keeping you straight.Lol.

[@chrismellott8448]

you are awesome and make DIY comfy! Love you and feel to do more :)

[@GDLOTKIDOG]

What kinda bike it that? guzi?

[@DrifterDavid]

Awesome video!

[@carlhansen8668]

Can you do a tool box tour video please 😁

[@fortifier69]

Excellent Video....

[@TheFrozenMind]

I installed a new set of ball races, the handling is good. but after a 40km ride, the handle bar is stiff (on a center stand). then moving the steering from left to right makes it smooth again. is it over tightened?

[@TheFrozenMind]

***** , Thanks for your reply man, I re-adjusted the "ring nuts" now the handling and cornering is smooth. the steering no longer tightens on both sides, I did not check the bearings if it is seated in the frame properly. should I check, just to make sure it is seated properly?

[@TheFrozenMind]

The stiffness on the left and right (full turn) came back. will check again after a few miles. if it will loosen up.

[@nixonn3]

Thanks alot!! Legend

[@erlingweiseth2774]

Great video! Thanks..;)

[@blackjrdavidw]

Seems like a harder way to pack bearings, I always used my palm and rake the grease in.

[@yamrz500]

Very good Video nice job! :)

[@paulacabbo466]

i froze the races they practically fall in after that, i also froze the steering stem so i wouldn't have to fight the lower bearing over it

[@morantb]

Where can i get the best price on a steering head bearing puller?

[@morantb]

And what brand is that bearing puller, i can not find one that looks like that on googe?

[@trevorphillips3055]

moran tornesella You don't need it, use the old cups you've removed as drifts to knock the new cups into the frame. Cut a slot in them with an angle grinder so that they can be removed easily. You'll notice a change in the pitch when when drifting in the new cups, it will sound solid when they are fully home and not hollow.

[@larsthybothomsen6730]

Awesome Video :) more videoes like this :)

[@XS-ry6ig]

WOW ! Why did he not pack the bearings with grease before he put them on the stem . Always always pack your bearings with grease before putting it on the steering stem .

[@SuperbikeSurgeryTV]

It makes absolutely no difference apart from the fact you are fitting a bearing that's covered in grease. Much easier and less messy to pack it afterwards.

[@fernandobiondi1256]

sledgehammer technique= Russian Grease Excelent Congrats.!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@stikmannn]

You seem 1000x less stressed back in the day 🙂

[@Ken_Myette]

That not how @DelboysGarage did it

[@_james4766]

35:15 whens its finally together you shit on all bike

[@6dani4]

Dejando aparte el video que es muy interesante, ésta es una de las motos mas feas jamás creadas junto a la bmw gs 650

[@chriscs9080]

do you really need to use a tool? you can put a piece of wood and bang on it until its straight?

[@pansan4158]

kalo me arese